World Grand Prix 2025 Darts: Luke Humphries Reveals His Secret Recipe for Late-Night Success

World number one Luke Humphries powered into the quarterfinals of the 2025 BOYLESports World Grand Prix with a commanding victory over Krzysztof Ratajski, and afterwards, he revealed the unusual secret behind his ability to stay sharp through the tournament’s gruelling late-night sessions.

Humphries, who has held the world number one spot for almost two years, treats his preparation much like that of a marathon runner. His secret weapon? Carbohydrate energy gels. 

The 30-year-old uses them mid-match to maintain his focus and energy levels on stage, a tactic that has become a key part of his success at the highest level.

The Marathon Runner Approach 

Much like endurance athletes who rely on nutrition to power through long races, Humphries has developed a pre- and mid-match routine designed to keep him fresh and mentally sharp throughout marathon-style contests.

“I take electrolytes before I play just to keep my water retention up. 'cause if you're up on the stage and you're sweating and stuff like that, it can take it out of you and make you feel a bit tired. So, I make sure I have one of them before,” Humphries told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

“Then the energy gels in between breaks or I take one just before I play just to keep my energy levels up. It's important to go up there and feel good and not tired.”

Humphries joked that while he isn’t literally running a marathon, the gels have become a surprising yet effective source of energy during the intense sessions that define professional darts.

“It's energy gels, they give you energy, obviously I'm not running the marathon or running, but they seem to have worked, to be honest.”

Why Energy Gels Work for Darts

While darts may not demand the same physical exertion as traditional endurance sports, the conditions players face, long matches under bright lights and hot temperatures in packed indoor venues, can be draining both physically and mentally. Humphries believes the gels give him a vital edge.

“There is a lot of sports where you are running or you're doing a lot of energy burning that you would obviously take em a lot more. I don't know if it physically works, it just feels like it works for me.”

“I feel like I don't ever get tired when I'm up there.”

“There was a moment two or three years ago where I used to feel a little bit tied up on the stage, so I thought I had to change something and then it, it just worked. Whether it's mentally or physically, it definitely helps me.”

Fitness and Nutrition Off the Oche

The advice to start using energy gels came from a nutritionist friend, the same person who helped guide Humphries through his impressive weight loss transformation. 

That focus on fitness and health has become central to his success, marking a cultural shift in a sport long associated with pub atmospheres and late-night lifestyles.

“It was recommended by someone who I know well who’s into nutrition and stuff like that.” 

That's why I have these healthy meals you see on Instagram as well to keep myself really good feeling through the week.”

“If I eat any bad foods, they make you feel a bit lethargic. So, I like to keep myself healthy through the week, make myself feel light and energetic because that's important.”

For Humphries, it’s all part of a broader mindset, treating darts like an elite sport, where physical preparation and mental sharpness go hand in hand. His results speak for themselves, and if energy gels are his secret weapon, they may well help him stay at the top of the game for years to come.